Accessibility

​Getting Here

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• Our parking lot is dirt/gravel and has four handicap parking spaces--two of which are van-accessible--positioned close to the Welcome Center.

• An ADA-compliant stone pathway leads from the accessible parking spots to the Welcome Center.

• The entrance and exit of the Welcome Center have stone ramps leading in and out of the building. Sliding doors are left open, weather permitting.

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Navigating the Desert of Maine

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• A wooden boardwalk, approximately 200 ft in length, leads from the Welcome Center to the edge of the dunes to provide a view of the landscape.

• Single-occupancy accessible restrooms are located on the side of the Welcome Center, reachable from the boardwalk. 

• A ramp leads from inside the Welcome Center to the Oasis snack bar, and orders can be placed from our outdoor window on the patio. 

• The recently excavated Buried Springhouse located on the edge of the dunes can be viewed from a vista point on the dunes or from a closer vantage point which requires navigating down and back up a staircase.

• Our nature trails are well groomed and span sand, woods, and include some boardwalks over small streams. There are benches in a couple places along the trails. 

• We have one beach wheelchair available for visitors to use on a first come, first-served basis.

• For those who would like assistance navigating the dunes and grounds, we have an electric golf cart and can offer 20-minute driven experiences if arranged at least a week in advance, provided we have sufficient staffing. Please reach out to us via webchat or via email hello@desertofmaine.com for more information. 

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Mini Golf​

• Tickets for mini golf are sold in a small hut next to the course which accessible by wheelchair.

• All but four of the holes (4, 5, 6, and 7) on the course  are accessible by wheelchair. Guests who are unable to play holes 4, 5, 6, and 7 qualify for a pro-rated discount, or they can choose to replay holes 1, 2, 3, and 4 to make a complete round.

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Campground​

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• The campground is reachable via a dirt road that is accessible to cars, vans and small travel trailers (no more than 18’). Many campsites include a parking spot within the site, but some do not. Please review our campground map and site details for more information.

• The campground bath house has private shower rooms that require a step up and down to enter and exit. Each shower has grab bars and portable stool which allows guests to shower while seated. Each shower also include a detachable sprayer.

• One of our new A-frame cabins scheduled to be built in late 2022 will include an accessible layout, bathroom, and entrance, along with an accessible picnic table and fire ring outside. 

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Tuttle Barn​

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• The 200+-year-old Tuttle Barn is currently undergoing restorations to become a performing arts venue. Phase 1 of the project is underway and Phase 2 is planning for 2024 or 2025. Once completed, the barn will have a fully accessible ground floor and accessible restrooms in the basement level. In addition, the there will be a lift to provide wheelchair access to the green room for artists.

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Our goal is to make the Desert of Maine as accessible as possible for all people. Efforts to improve access are ongoing, and we appreciate feedback and suggestions from our community for how we can ensure an inclusive experience at the Desert of Maine.